BILL NUMBER:  S7891

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to direct the metropolitan transportation
authority to examine, assess and report on potential hazardous
structures and storage areas under the elevated train tracks; and the
commuter notification system of such authority

 PURPOSE :

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to study and report
on potentially hazardous structures and storage areas under elevated
train tracks, and on the efficacy of the commuter notification system.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section one subdivision (a) requires the metropolitan transportation
authority (MTA) to examine, evaluate and make recommendations relating
to designating and determining those structures and storage areas
under the elevated train tracks of such authority, which may pose a
hazard to the facilities, infrastructure and commuters of the
metropolitan transportation authority. Subdivision (b) of section one
requires the MTA to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on use
and effectiveness of the commuter notification system, operated by the
authority, in providing timely notifications to commuters of hazards,
emergencies and changes in the provision of transportation services.

              

Section two requires the MTA to submit, within 1 year of the effective
date, to the governor and the legislature a report on its findings,
conclusions and recommendations.

Section three establishes that all costs of implementing the
provisions of this act shall be borne by the MTA.

Section four establishes the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Recently, Metro-North Railroad service in and out of Grand Central
Station along the Harlem and Hudson lines was shut down due to a fire
which began at a garden-supply business located underneath the tracks.
This massive blaze caused substantial and burdensome delays for tens
of thousands of commuters, as well as caused severe damage to some of
the Metro-North track girders. In the days following the fire, it was
discovered that the blaze originated when an employee tried to refuel
a hot generator, a substantially dangerous fire hazard. In addition to
utilizing flammable materials under the track, the business was also
storing firewood, soil and fertilizer products. Fire safety experts
stated that it is unconscionable that the MTA was unaware of such
hazardous conditions existing underneath the tracks.

This legislation seeks to address these safety hazards by requiring
the MTA to study and make recommendations regarding the structures and
storage areas under elevated train tracks which may pose a hazard to
the facilities, infrastructure and commuters of the MTA.
Additionally, the bill would require the MTA to study and make
recommendations on the efficacy of the commuter notification system
used by the authority. Requiring this study will allow the MTA to
discover potentially hazardous conditions, and thereby help prevent
catastrophes such as the May l7th blaze.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None noted

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.